Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s decision to enter into a direct confrontation with Israel has placed Iran in an unprecedented reality. The regime now finds itself more exposed than ever, without an effective regional buffer, facing mounting external pressure alongside a deepening internal crisis.
Expert on Iran and Shiite political Islam. PhD on pro-Iranian transnational networks in the Persian Gulf.
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As US forces reinforce the region and President Trump escalates deterrent messaging, regime-linked discourse in Tehran has increasingly focused on potential response scenarios. Senior figures have openly threatened a preemptive strike. Iran’s available options center primarily on its missile and drone capabilities, but also include asymmetric measures such as targeted assassinations in Israel, possible activation of sleeper cell operatives inside the United States, and a ground incursion carried out by an actor from the Axis of Resistance, under the guidance of the Quds Force.
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The protest movement in Iran reflects a deep crisis that will affect not only the conduct of the regime, fearful for its future and fighting for survival, but also the future of …
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Territorial shifts in southern Yemen may help Israel counter the Houthis or deepen regional instability.
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Dr. Yossi Mansharof: They are preparing the last war. They are disappointed with the extent of promised Chinese and Russian help. Israel-surrounding proxies were weakened significantly. The only thing Iranians …
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Israel appears to have little choice but to undertake preemptive action to signal that a Houthi entrenchment in Syria will not be tolerated.